Emergency gas and electricity shutoff apparatus and control system

ABSTRACT

A gas meter installation including gas supply plumbing and point of use plumbing will have a gas meter therebetween. A valve can be installed with the gas meter for shutting off the flow of gas to the point of use. This valve is preferably a gate valve mounted with the a gas meter, and can be retrofitted into existing installations, or installed with the new plumbing installation. The valve can be shut off by remote activation for example due to a seismic sensor causing a controller to send a signal to activate the valve. The control can also interact with electricity shut off apparatus, automatic meter reading apparatus and point of use security systems.

This is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent applications Ser. Nos.08/965,014 and 09/027,197.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to emergency gas and electricity shutoffequipment and control systems therefor. In particular, the presentinvention relates to the shutoff of the flow of natural gas to a home orother point of use for reasons of safety during emergencies such asseismic events, fires, etc. The present invention further relates toapparatus and systems for shutting off the electricity at a home orother point of use under similar conditions.

2. State of the Prior Art

Various devices have been known in art for shutting off gas systems inthe event of a seismic disturbance or the like. For example, U.S. Pat.No. 4,311,171 to Nobi requires a first ball to close a fuel line and atleast a second ball, wherein the second ball is mounted within thecasing so that a tremor would cause the second ball to dislodge thefirst ball from its pedestal. The ball for closing the fuel line isrequired to be mounted in a concave cup supported by a plurality of ballbearings, and includes a concave member as well as a resilient meanssuch as a spring for biasing the cup against the concave member.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,565,208 to Ritchie requires the inclusion of a track andat least a ball riding in the track, and in addition requires theinclusion of “an obstruction” which causes the ball to leave the trackwhen a seismic disturbance causes the ball to contact to the obstructionwith sufficient energy. It further requires the obstruction to includean incline surface that extends over the track and has a height whichdecreases across the width of the track.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,475,565 to Keller et al. discloses a magneticallyactuable shock responsive unit. This unit includes a valve mechanism forshutting off the flow in a fluid line and is operable upon shock inducedhorizontal displacement of a weight relative to a support to actuate thevalve. An electromagnet is provided for providing a separate actuationof the weight. Movement of the weight from its support to the side ofthe housing causes the weight to engage a movable tube that releases amechanism that closes the valve.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,903,720 to McGill, one inventor of the presentinvention, discloses a safety shutoff device usable in any position. Aninertia ball engages a first member so as to move the first member froma first position to a second position in response to vibrations orshocks imparted to the housing.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,119,841 discloses another safety shutoff apparatus usingan inertia ball that normally rests on an indented surface. A lever ispivotally mounted with a permanent magnet mounted beneath the free endof the lever. When a shock or vibration causes the inertia ball to jumponto the lever and roll toward its free end, the inertia ball isattracted to the permanent magnet so as to cause the lever to be pivoteddownwardly.

Further seismic safety valves are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,409,031,4,903,720 and 5,119,841.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The objects of the present invention are to generally improve the stateof the prior art with respect to emergency shutoff, not only of the flowof gas to a point of use installation, but also of the supply ofelectricity.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a gas meter andvalve installation has gas supply plumbing for supplying gas to a pointof use and point of use plumbing receiving gas from the gas supplyplumbing. A gas meter has a gas inlet connected to the gas supplyplumbing and a gas outlet connected to the point of use plumbing formetering the quantity of gas used at the point of use so that a gassupply passage is established through the gas supply plumbing, the gasmeter and the point of use plumbing. A gas flow shutoff valve ispositioned along the gas supply passage outside of the gas meter and hasa valve member that is movable between an open position in which the gassupply passage is open, allowing for gas to flow through the gas meterand into the point of use plumbing, and a closed position in which thegas supply passage is substantially closed so that substantially no gasis allowed to flow into the point of use plumbing.

The gas flow shutoff valve preferably has a housing having a valve gasinlet and a valve gas outlet. One of the inlet and the outlet isconnected to the gas meter and the other is connected to one of the gassupply plumbing and the point of use plumbing. A spacer having a spacerinlet and outlet is connected between the other of the gas supplyplumbing and the point of use plumbing.

Preferably, the point of use plumbing includes a service tee having aninlet, an outlet and a service opening having a plug therein.

The gas inlet and the gas outlet comprise male inlet and outlet threads.The point of use plumbing or the gas supply plumbing has a union nut forconnection with one of the male inlet and outlet threads. The gas flowshutoff valve is connected between the other of the point of useplumbing and the gas supply plumbing and the other of the male inlet andthe male outlet threads. The gas flow shutoff valve has a nut thereonfor connection with the other of the male inlet and the male outletthreads and a total height that is equal to the height of the union nut.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a gas flowcontrol system includes a gas passage including gas supply plumbing andpoint of use plumbing for receiving gas from the gas supply plumbing. Agas flow shutoff valve is positioned between the gas supply plumbing andthe point of use plumbing, and is capable of closing in response to agas flow shutoff signal. A controller remote from the gas flow shutoffvalve is capable of generating the gas flow shutoff signal, and acommunication link between the controller and the gas flow shutoff valvesends the gas flow shutoff signal to the gas flow shutoff valve.

The controller may comprise a seismic sensor for generating the gas flowshutoff signal, and/or a security system control, and/or a break awaygas pipe portion positioned between the gas flow shutoff valve and thepoint of use.

A fuel cell can be used to generate electric power from gas flowingthrough the gas passage. For example, the fuel cell could provideelectricity for an automatic meter reading device connected with a gasmeter. The automatic meter reading device may have a communication linkwith the controller to send signals thereto representing gas usage.

The gas flow control system can also have an electric interface deviceinstalled at an electric meter box in communication by a communicationlink with the controller.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is providedan improved valve for shutting off a flow of gas. In this valve ahousing has a gas inlet, a gas outlet and a gas passage therebetween. Agate mounted in the housing is movable in a direction across the gaspassage between open and closed positions. The gate has a first portionhaving an opening therein positioned across the gas passage in the openposition and a second portion positioned across the gas passage in theclosed position. An upstream seat is mounted in the housing upstream ofthe gate, the upstream seat surrounding the gas passage and contactingthe gate so as to form a seal between the housing and the gate on theupstream side of the gate. A downstream seat is mounted in the housingdownstream of the gate. The downstream seat surrounds the gas passageand contacts the gate so as to form a seal between the housing and thegate on the downstream side of the gate.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a gate valve forshutting off a supply of gas is spring biased toward its closedposition. A release pin is movable between one position in which therelease pin prevents the spring from moving the gate toward the closedposition and another position in which the release pin releases thespring and the gate so that the gate moves to the closed position underthe biasing force of the spring.

A reset member is interconnected with a gate for resetting the gate fromthe closed position to the open position. The reset member extends froma point outside of the housing to the gate and has an end received in anelongate slot in the gate. The slot has a stop member and an end thereofso that when the gate is in the closed position, the reset member can bepulled from outside of the housing so that the end of the reset memberengages the stop member and pulls the gate from the closed position. Thereset member is sealed from the outside by a dynamic seal in thehousing. It further has a knob thereon positioned outside of the housingfor manipulating the reset member, the knob having a static seal thereonfor engagement with the housing.

The housing has a chamber adjacent to the gas passage, the chamberhaving a gate end through which the gate is movable and a spring end.The spring is compressed between the spring end and the gate in the openposition. The gate includes a spring receiver on an end thereof in thechamber and receiving the spring therein. The release pin, in the openposition of the gate, extends into the chamber and engages the springreceiver.

The release pin is moveably supported by a bushing and has an engagementend for engaging a member fixed with respect to the gate, a shaftportion slidable in the bushing and a stop for engaging the bushing inorder to limit movement of the release pin. A connector in the releasepin has an axial space therein. An actuator is provided for actuatingthe release pin, and includes a link member that extends into the axialspace and is movable therein. When the actuator is actuated to move thegate to the open position, the link member axially moves a predetermineddistance without engaging the connector of the release pin beforeengaging the connector of the release pin. The actuator includes asolenoid and a solenoid pin having a link member connected thereto. Thesolenoid pin is spring biased toward the release pin.

A status indicator may be provided on the exterior of the housing toindicate the open or closed status of the gate.

The member on the gate and the release pin may have respectivecomplimentary engagement surfaces angled with respect to the directionof movement of the gate in order to make it easier for the gate to beactuated.

The release pin may also comprise a roller for engagement with themember fixed with respect to the gate. Further, the release pin maycomprise a solenoid pin movably supported in the solenoid actuator by aplurality of rollers mounted on the solenoid pin.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a valve forshutting off a flow of gas has a magnet mounted with a gate of thevalve. A solenoid actuator is provided for moving the magnet so that thegate is moveable between the open and close positions.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, an electricityshut-off arrangement includes an electric meter box mounting an electricmeter, a circuit breaker on the electric meter box for shutting offelectricity and a pull chain on the circuit breaker. A shutoff device isconnected with the pull chain for actuating the circuit breaker bypulling the pull chain. This device has a communication link forcommunicating with a remote controller for activating the shut-offdevice. Preferably a door is provided so as to be able to close over theshut-off device.

The shut-off device may comprise a spring-loaded rotatable arm forpulling the pull chain. This arm has a detention portion thereon forengagement with a release member. The release member is movable betweena detention position in which the release member engages the detentionportion of a spring-loaded rotatable arm to detain the spring-loadedrotatable arm in a spring-loaded position and a release position inwhich the release member releases the detention portion so that thespring-loaded rotatable arm can rotate and pull the pull chain.

In one preferred embodiment, the release member comprises a ball member.The detention portion preferably comprises an angled surface on thespring-loaded rotatable arm that biases the ball member away from it. Arelease pin is moveably mounted between a first position that preventsthe ball member from moving, and a second position in which the ballmember can move away from the detention portion. A solenoid actuator isprovided for moving the release pin. Preferably a solenoid pin of thesolenoid actuator will move and accelerate over a predetermined distancebefore actually engaging and moving the release pin.

According to another preferred feature of this aspect of the invention,the release pin has a second ball member that is rollably positionedthereagainst at a position opposite to the first ball member.

Alternatively, the release member may comprise a solenoid pin that isspring-biased into engagement with the detention portion of thespring-loaded rotatable arm. The solenoid pin has a solenoid actuatorfor moving the pin against the spring-biased in order to release thespring-loaded rotatable arm.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, an electricinterface device is provided for placement between an electric meter anda meter box. The device has a pair of interface plugs for connection toreceptacles of the meter box, a pair of interface receptacles forconnection to a pair of electric meter plugs and an electricity shut-offfor shutting off electrical connection between one of the interfaceplugs and the respective one of the interface receptacles. The interfaceplugs and interface receptacles are ordinarily electrically connected toeach other. The electricity shut-off preferably comprises a connectorthat connects one of the plugs with one of the receptacles of theinterface, and a solenoid actuator for moving the connector to break theelectrical connection. The interface further includes a housing having afirst interface flange for connection with a meter box flange and asecond interface flange for connection with a meter flange. Theinterface may further include a communication link linking theelectricity shut-off with a remote controller and an external powerconnection for supplying power to outside of the interface device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a gas meter and valve interfaceconnection;

FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1, but showing the gas meter togetherwith gas supply and gas point of use plumbing;

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 showing additional system components;

FIG. 3A is a view similar to FIG. 3 illustrating an alternativearrangement;

FIG. 3B illustrates yet another alternative arrangement according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 showing additional and alternativesystem components;

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 3 showing additional and alternativesystem components and arrangements;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a gas shut-off valve in an openposition;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the valve of FIG. 6 in a closedposition;

FIG. 7A is an exploded view of a fitting adaptor;

FIG. 7B is an exploded view of an alternative of a fitting adaptor;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a complete valve arrangementaccording to the valve of FIGS. 6 and 7;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the valve of FIG. 8 as seen fromabove;

FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 8, but showing the valve in a closedposition;

FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 9, but showing the valve in a closedposition;

FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 10 but illustrating process ofresetting the valve;

FIG. 13 shows the process of resetting the valve of FIG. 12 in a viewsimilar to that of FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 shows a detail of one embodiment of engagement surfaces betweena release pin and a gate;

FIG. 15 illustrates the features of FIG. 14 after release of the gate;

FIG. 15A is a cross-sectional view of a gate similar to that illustratedin FIGS. 6 and 7;

FIG. 16 is a view similar to FIG. 14 showing an alternative releasemember;

FIG. 17 shows the alternative release member of FIG. 16 in a viewsimilar to that of FIG. 15;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the gasshut-off valve according to the present invention;

FIG. 19 shows the valve of FIG. 18 in a state of activation towardclosing the valve;

FIG. 20 is a schematic view of an electricity shut-off arrangementaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 21 is a partly cross-sectional view of the arrangement of FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is similar to FIG. 21 but illustrates the device in a closedposition;

FIG. 23 is a partly cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of anelectricity shut-off device according to the present invention;

FIG. 24 is a partly cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 23 shownin an activated state;

FIG. 25 shows an alternative to the embodiment of FIG. 23;

FIG. 26 illustrates the activated state of the alternative of FIG. 25;

FIG. 27 is a partly cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of anelectricity shut-off device according to the present invention;

FIG. 28 is a partly cross-sectional view of the electricity shut-offdevice of FIG. 27 shown in an activated state;

FIG. 29 is a front view of an electric meter box;

FIG. 30 is a partly cross-sectional exploded view of an electricalinterface for use with electric gas meter and a metered box according tothe present invention; and

FIG. 31 is a partly cross-sectional view of the assembled electricmeter, interface device and meter box of FIG. 30.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following discussion, the same reference numbers indicate thesame or similar features of the present invention in the variousembodiments.

A first feature of the present invention is discussed with reference toFIGS. 1 and 2, and concerns an interface arrangement for adapting a gasflow valve to a gas meter. This concept is related to that set forth inco-Applicant's prior U.S. application Ser. No. 09/027,197, incorporatedherein by reference. U.S. application Ser. No. 08/965,014 is alsoincorporated herein by reference.

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a valve 10 for shutting off gas flow.The valve has an external thread 14 that matches an inlet thread 12 of astandard gas meter 11 and a union nut 13 designed to be connected to theinlet thread 12 of the meter 11. A spacer 17 has an external thread 17 athat matches an outlet thread 15 of the gas meter 11 and a union nut 16attached to the spacer 17 that is designed to connect to the outletthread 15 of the gas meter 11.

FIG. 2 shows these features connected together and in relation to gassupply plumbing and point of use plumbing. The valve 10 and spacer 17are connected to the meter 11 with the union nuts 13 and 16 beingscrewed onto the external threads 12 and 15, respectively. When thevalve 10 and the spacer 17 are installed on the gas meter 11, thedistance from the gas meter 11 to the top of the thread 14, and thedistance from the gas meter 11 to the top of the thread 17 a, are thesame.

The gas supply plumbing includes a shut-off valve 18, a gas supply pipe19 and a union nut fitting 20. The point of use plumbing includes aunion nut fitting 17 b for connection to the external thread 17 a, apipe 21 and a standard service tee 22 connected to the pipe 21. Theright-hand side of the service tee 22 connects to the point of use, suchas a home or other point of use of the natural gas supply. The union nutfitting 20 is connected to the external thread 14 and union nut fitting17 b is connected to the external thread 17 a. Note that the valve 10and the spacer 17 could be exchanged so that the spacer is on the inletside and the valve is connected to the outlet side of the gas meter 11.

With the arrangement according to FIGS. 1 and 2, a standard gas metersuch as gas meter 11, having external threads 12 and 15 thereon, can bemodified to incorporate a means of shutting off the flow of gas therethrough. By the term “standard gas meter” is meant those gas metersknown in the industry that are in common use and have reached a level ofstandardization clear to those of skill in this art.

With the arrangement of FIGS. 1 and 2, any standard gas meter can bemodified to incorporate a way shutting off the flow of gas withouthaving to build a valve into the meter itself. This also consequentlyallows an easy way of maintaining the valve itself, separately from themeter, because they are separate components the valve can be operated orreplaced without having to change the meter itself.

Turning now to FIG. 3, a modification of the arrangement of FIGS. 1 and2 may be seen. A communication module 10 for communication by radiofrequency (RF) or through a wire 24 can communicate with a controllermodule 25 and can be mounted at a remote location. In FIG. 3, thecontroller module 25 is shown as mounted to a structure 26 such as ahome or other point of use.

However, it can be mounted at any location suitable for communicationwith the communication module 10 a.

Power for operating the valve 10 can be supplied from a source that iseither located at the valve communication module 10 a or at a remotelocation.

The control module 25 may include a seismic sensor designed to have atime delay that will activate the valve 10 after it receives a givenacceleration over a specified period of time. A valve shut-off signalmay then be sent from the controller module 25 through the wire 24 or byRF to the communication module 10 a and thus to the valve 10 foractivation thereof.

A security system 30 may be incorporated with the valve control system.For example, the power for operating the system could be suppliedthrough a wire connection 27 from the security system control 30. Theseismic sensor could also be located at the security system 30, ratherthan at the control module 25. In other words, the control module 25could be replaced by a security system 30 in general, this securitysystem 30 thus essentially incorporating the control module 25 for thevalve activation system. Such a security system 30 could furtheractivate the valve 10 after receiving a signal from other sensors, suchas a CO sensor, a gas sensor, a smoke sensor, a fire alarm, sprinklers,a panic button, etc.

According to the further feature in FIG. 3, the spacer 17 includes a“break-a-way” feature 17 c. This break-a-way feature is designed to bethe weakest part of the gas system so that it will break before otherareas of the pipe. The break-a-way feature 17 c can be connected to thecommunication module 10 a for providing a valve shut-off signal to thevalve 10 for activation thereof

One advantage of having the valve 10 activated by a remote sensor suchas a control module 25, a security system 30 or a break-a-way feature 17c, is that the valve will then not be required by industry standards tobe braced to the building or the ground, because the seismic sensor isnot part of the valve itself.

Power for activating the valve 10 can be self-contained in the valve 10,or it can be supplied from a remote location such as the controllermodule 25 or the security system 30. Also, a capacitor could be locatedat the valve 10 for activation of the valve 10 with a fail-safe circuit.

The arrangement of FIG. 3 shows the valve 10 with the modified spacer 17as part of an overall system. The system has several options in terms ofcommunication with a controlled sensor. A sensor could be mounted on anoutside wall of the structure such as structure 26, and it could also bemounted with a controller mounted inside of the structure. Communicationbetween the sensor and the valve can be with a wire or through RF. Thisallows for the valve to be easily maintained and replaced, and allowsfor the valve to be replaced without having to break into the gas pipe.Maintenance, further, is independent of the gas meter, because themethod of replacing the valve allows for use of a bypass tee 22. Thebypass tee 22 allows for a quick change without having to stop the flowof gas to the structure 26. Thus a homeowner does not have to be at homefor installation or service of the valve, and pilot lights inside of thestructure 26 do not have to be relit.

The control module 25 will contain the seismic sensor, for example,designed to have a time delay to activate the valve after receiving agiven acceleration lasting over a specified period of time.

FIG. 3 a shows another alternative arrangement according to the presentinvention. In this arrangement, the valve 10 is mounted on the outlet ofthe gas meter 11 without a spacer being installed at the inlet of themeter. This method of installation is useful for new installations. Thatis, where the valve does not need to be retrofitted onto an existinginstallation, a corresponding spacer may not need to be supplied forinsertion of the valve 10 into the plumbing, because the installation ofthe plumbing itself can make up for the additional pipe provided by thespacer.

The service tee 22 here includes a pipe plug 22 a and a connecting pipe22 b connecting to the valve 10. An advantage here is to provide an easyway of removing the valve for service. The service tee 22 can be used tosupply gas to the structure 26 for installation, removal, replacement ormaintenance of the valve 10. Such a method also allows for installationand maintenance without having to remove the gas meter 11 from anexisting position, for example, connected at union nut 20.

When retrofitting a valve 10 to form an arrangement as shown in FIG. 3a, an existing installation may have a simple straight pipe from servicetee 22 to the gas meter 11. A method of replacing this pipe with thevalve 10 would then involve first removing the gas meter 11, or rotatingit away from the pipe extending from the service tee. The union nut andthe longer pipe 22 b are then disconnected from the service tee 22, anda shorter pipe 22 b is inserted between the service tee 22 and the unionnut. The valve 10 is then mounted between a union nut 17 b and the gasmeter 11.

In a new installation, the valve 10 is installed by attaching the unionnut 16 to the gas meter 11 and the union nut 17 b to the valve 10without having to remove any previously installed components. Methods ofmaintaining the valve correspond to performing the above steps inreverse.

FIG. 3 b is similar to FIG. 3 a, but simply shows a valve 10 b insteadof a valve 10 shown in FIG. 3 a. It is noted that the valve 10 shown inFIG. 3 a has been illustrated so far so as to correspond to a gate typevalve to be described later. However, as demonstrated by FIG. 3B, theinstallation and maintenance methods according to the present inventioncan be performed with any type of valve.

FIG. 4 shows an alternative and expanded arrangement of a shut-off valvesystem for the gas meter 11. The valve 10 communicates through thecommunication module 10 a through wire 24 or by radio frequency with acontrol module 25. The control module 25 can also communicate with thesecurity system controller 30 through wire 29 or by radio frequency.Electric power to operate the system, in this case, can be provided by afuel cell 31 that is designed to replace the spacer 17 of FIG. 3. Thefuel cell 31 generates its own electric power from gas flowing throughthe gas pipes 19. Electric power coming from the fuel cell 31 powers thevalve 10 and the control module 25 through wires 28. It further canprovide power to operate an automatic meter reading (AMR) device 33through a wire 32.

The AMR device 33 communicates through a wire 33 a or by radio frequencywith the control module 25. The control module 25 can thus provide totalgas usage over a given period of time, and can transmit this informationto a remote location. The control module 25, furthermore, is designedand operated to compare the flow rate per unit of time (volume per unittime received from the AMR device 33) corresponding to before anearthquake is detected by its seismic sensor to that measured after theearthquake. If the flow rate increases after the earthquake, the controlmodule 25 will assume that there is a gas leak in the system, and willactivate the valve 10 to the off position.

The control module 25 can have input, or be designed and operate so asto “learn”, the flow rate of appliances that have constant flow rates(i.e. appliances used, for example, in the structure 26 and connected tothe point of use plumbing). Accordingly, the control module 25 candetermine whether the flow rate after an earthquake has increased by anamount which corresponds to a constant flow rate of one of theappliances. The control module 25 will then assume that the appliancehas been turned on, and assume that this does not represent a leak, sothat a signal will not be sent to turn the valve 10 to the off position.

A further feature of the control module 25 is the ability to detect flowproblems, such as excess flow rates, that exceed a predetermined setpoint.

A pressure sensor 34 may be incorporated as part of the valve 10. Thepressure sensor 34 is designed to detect pressure in the gas system andto activate the valve 10 if the pressure becomes abnormal. The pressureinformation detected by the pressures sensor 34 is sent to the valve 10and/or the control module 25 through a wire 35, through thecommunication module 10 a and the wire 24 or the radio frequency to thecontrol module 25.

The use of a fuel cell in the system of FIG. 4 allows for a morereliable source of power than a system that depends upon the use ofbatteries. The fuel cell, further, can be used to also operate the AMRdevice 33 and the various communication links used in the system.

In accordance with the invention of FIG. 4, the control module 25 formsa device which can employ the information from the AMR device 33,compare the flow rate per unit of time before an earthquake occurs withthat after an earthquake, and make decisions as to whether or not toshut-off the flow of gas based upon this information. Specifically, thecontroller 25 is a device which determines that if a flow of gas exceedsa predetermined flow rate, the valve 10 will be shut-off.

A further advantage of the arrangement of FIG. 4 is the use of thepressure sensor 34. The pressure sensor 34 can activate the valve whenpressure changes indicate an excess flow or an abnormal condition. Suchexcess flow or abnormal condition will be assumed to indicate a leak inthe system and the valve will then be shut-off. An advantage of usingthe pressure sensor 34 is that the gas will be shut off when it is mostlikely that there is a gas leak, as opposed to simply shutting off thegas when the ground moves. In other words, the pressure sensor 34 can beused in conjunction with seismic sensors for more precise determinationof whether there is a need to shut-off the gas, that is, whether thereis a break in the system requiring such shut-off.

FIG. 5 illustrates a further arrangement of the system in general accordwith the system as discussed with respect to FIGS. 1-4. In this case,however, the system incorporates an electric interface device 34(detailed below) installed at an electric meter box 35 c and connectedto the electric meter box 35 c by a security band 35 b. The interfacedevice 34 receives and is connected to an electric meter 35 and issecured to the electric meter 35 by a security band 35 a. Interfacedevice 34 thus interfaces between the electric meter box 35 c and theelectric meter 35, where the electric meter 35 is ordinarily directlyconnected to the electric meter box 35 c.

The interface device 34 includes a built in shut-off feature which canbe activated by a signal from the control module 25 through apower/communication cable 36. Alternatively, a radio frequencycommunication link or a battery backup could be provided with theelectric interface device 34 for outside communication.

The electric interface device 34 is designed to provide electrical powerto operate the overall system illustrated in FIG. 5, including, but notlimited to, the control module 25, the valve 10 and the AMR device 33.Power from the interface device 34 can be stepped down inside of theinterface device 34 to a low voltage. As previously, the control module25 can communicate with the security system 30 through a wire 29 or byradio frequency. Of course, the control module 25 can also have outsidecommunication through any appropriate means.

Accordingly, the electric interface device 34 provides a power sourcefor operation of the system. Advantageously, it can also incorporate abuilt in way of shutting off electricity. Details of an example of anelectric interface device are described below.

FIG. 6 is a detailed view in cross section of a preferred valve, such asvalve 10, for shutting off the flow of gas. A housing 40 has an inlet 41and an exit 42. The inlet has an external thread 41 a that matches thethreads of a standard gas meter. The exit 41 has a standard meter nut ora union nut 42 a having internal threads 42 b that will attach to astandard gas meter. The union nut 42 a is held in place by a keeper 42c.

The housing 40 includes a gate 43 as a valve member for shutting off theflow of gas between the inlet 41 and the exit 42. The gate 43 has anopen section 43 a that allows gas to flow there through to the outlet42. It further includes a solid section 43 b which closes the gaspassage between the inlet 41 and the outlet or exit 42 when the gate isslid toward the right as seen in the figure.

In a preferred feature according to the present invention, the gate 43has a bottom seat 44 and a top seat 45 that prevent gas from leakingpast the fluid path or gas passage as the gas passes from the inlet 41to the outlet 42. Both the bottom seat 44 and the top seat 45 extendannularly around the gas passage in contact with the gate 43, formingseals therewith. They are provided in respective spaces or groupsprovided in the housing 40. The seats can comprise O-rings of suitableseal material given the pressure and wear conditions.

Note that the external thread 41a and the meter union nut 42 a could beeliminated and replaced by internal and external pipe threads in theinlet 41 and the outlet 42 of the valve 40.

FIG. 7 shows the valve of FIG. 6 in a closed position, but with onemodification. In the solid section 43 b, an optional orifice 43 may beprovided to allow a predetermined small amount of gas to pass therethrough from the inlet 41 to the outlet 42. The orifice is sized so asto allow a sufficient amount of gas to pass through the valve tomaintain downstream pilot lights lit, allowing for a reset of the valveand a resumption of operation of the system without having to relightthe pilot lights. However, this orifice is not required, and is entirelyoptional.

With the valve as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the gate 43 slidesbetween the two seals 44 and 45, being movable from the open to theclosed position. When the gate 43 is in the open position, the seal isprotected from contamination affecting the sealing surface. There islittle effect on the flow of gas in terms of pressure drop due to theseals.

In FIG. 7 a reference 10 b represents any appropriate shut-off valve forgas. This Figure illustrates a way of adapting any such valve 10 b foradaptation in use with a method of installation of the presentinvention.

Specifically, a fitting adapter 41 c has an external thread 41 a and canbe connected with the standard meter nut 17 b. Internal threads 41 d onthe fitting adapter 41 c match threads of a standard pipe 41 b. The pipethread 41 b can be formed as part of the valve 10 b, where a standardnipple can be used. A standard union nut fitting 42 d having internalthreads 42 f is shown together with a union nut 41 b. The fitting 42 dis connected to the valve 10 b by connection 41 e which includesstandard external pipe threads on the valve 10 b that match the standardinternal threads 42 f of the standard meter fitting 42 d. The connection41 e can be a standard pipe fitting, or could be formed as part as thevalve 10 b.

Accordingly, any such valve 10 b having pipe threads 41 b can have astandard union nut fitting 42 d connected to one side and a fittingadapter 41 c connected to the other side for connection to a standardunion nut and a standard gas meter. Accordingly, any appropriate valvecan be modified to be employed as a shut-off valve interface for a gasmeter in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 7 b shows an alternative arrangement having a fitting adaptersimilar to that shown in FIG. 7 a. In FIG. 7 b, the fitting adapter 41 ghas an external thread 41 a that can be connected with a standard meternut 17 b. External threads 41 f on the fitting adapter 41 g are designedto match a standard pipe thread 41 b. The pipe thread 41 b can be formedas part of the valve 10 b, or a standard nipple can be used. As seen inthe Figure, the valve 10 b has an internal thread 10 c. Accordingly,this arrangement allows for the advantage of a relatively close couplingin connecting a valve. This will reduce the amount of space that isneeded to install the valve.

FIG. 7 b further shows a meter nut fitting 16 c. Meter nut fitting 16 cis essentially the same as a standard union nut fitting, except that ithas external threads 16 b. Threads 16 b are adapted to connect withinternal threads 10 d of the valve 10 b as illustrated. Flange 16 a isdesigned to hold the meter nut 41 b in place. This meter nut fitting 16c also allows a relatively close coupling with the valve 10 so as toreduce the amount of space required.

Turning now to FIG. 8, this figure represents a cross-sectional view ofa valve essentially similar to that as discussed with respect to FIGS. 6and 7. The gate 43 is more completely illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, andis designed to receive a spring 54. One end of the spring 54 pushesagainst an end pate 55 connected to the housing 40, and the other pushesagainst the gate 43. As can be seen from FIGS. 8 and 9, as well aslooking at remaining FIGS. 10 and 11, for example, the left-hand end ofthe gate 43 as seen in the figures includes an expanded spring receiverportion for gate member. This spring receiver portion or gate member isheld by a release pin 46 so as to hold the gate 43 in the open positionagainst the action of the spring 54.

The housing 40 includes a chamber in which a gate 43 and the spring 54reside. The release pin 46 projects into this chamber through a bushing53. The bushing 53 allows for relatively easy movement of the releasepin 46, thus reducing the amount of force required to move the releasepin 46. As can be seen, upon retraction of the release pin 46 from thechamber, the gate member is released and the spring can push the gate 43to the closed position thereof.

The release pin 46 is connected to and fixed with respect to a connector47, essentially formed as a cylinder on the outer side thereof Theconnector 47 forms a wider portion on the release pin 46 so that iteffectively forms a stop for stopping against the bushing 53.Accordingly, the connector 47 stops the release pin 46 at a properposition of extension into the chamber of the housing 40.

It is noted that the connector 47 has a slot or axial chamber 47 a,essentially forming a gap therein, or axial space. In this axial space,a link pin 48 resides. The link pin 48 has an end portion wider than theopening therefor in the end of the connector 47. Accordingly, as thelink pin 48 travels upwardly, it does not pull on the connector 47 untilthe wider portion at the end thereof engages with the upper end of theconnector 47. Accordingly, this allows for the link pin 48 to axiallytravel before engaging the connector 47. A solenoid pin 49 of a solenoid52 is fixed with respect to the link pin 48 for movement thereof. Thiswill be discussed in more detail below.

A status indicator 57, furthermore, is provided in the housing 40. Thestatus indicator 57 is made of a material that will be attracted to thegate 43 in the open position thereof, as shown in FIG. 8. For example, amagnet 56 can be placed in the status indicator 57 that will beattracted to the gate 43 in the open position so as to indicate that thevalve as a whole is in the open position.

The valve of FIGS. 8 and 9 thus illustrates a spring loaded gate valvethat is held in the open position by the release of pin 46. The statusindicator 57 indicates the open position of the valve. By use of therelease pin 46, no electric power is required to maintain the valve inthe open position.

FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate the valve having moved to the closed positionthereof. The solenoid 52 is connected to the housing 40 through afurther housing 50. Ordinarily, the solenoid pin 49 is biased toward theengaged position of the release pin 46 by a solenoid spring 51. However,when the solenoid pin 49 is pulled as a result of energizing thesolenoid 52, the solenoid pin 42 moves against the force of the solenoidspring 51 until the link pin 48 closes the gap 47 a and contacts theconnector 47. This causes an impact force on the release pin 46, thussecurely and forcibly moving the release pin 46 from engagement with thegate 43. As the solenoid pin 49 continues to move the release pin 46 tothe point where it causes the gate 43 to be released, the spring 54 thenmoves the gate 43 to the closed position. As a result, the statusindicator 57 has the magnet 56 thereof released from engagement with thegate 43, due to the gate 43 having moved to the closed position. Thatis, the magnetic material of the gate 43 that was present at theposition of the status indicator 57 is no longer present, and the magnetis released to indicate the closed status of the valve. By the link pintravel a certain distance through the connector 47 without engaging theconnector 47, link pin 48 is allowed to accelerate so as to cause animpact force on the connector 47. This impact force has the advantage ofgreatly reducing the amount of energy that is actually required torelease the gate 43.

Turning to FIGS. 12 and 13, there is illustrated a method of resettingthe valve. A knob 60 is connected to a reset pin 59, which extends intothe chamber of the housing 43. An end of the reset pin 59 is received ina slot or channel formed in the gate 43, as for example seen in FIGS. 13and 11. This slot, for example from the position of FIG. 9, allows thegate 43 to move unencumbered by the pin 59 to the closed position. Theend of the pin 59, from the open position to the closed position, movesfrom a right-hand end of the slot to a left-hand end of the slot asshown by FIG. 11. Pulling the knob 60 to the left, accordingly, pullsthe gate 43 to the left against the force of the spring 54, to the pointwhere the release pin 46 engages the gate 43 under the action of thesolenoid spring 51 so as to hold the gate 43, again, in the openposition.

The end plate 55 includes an internal dynamic seal such as an O-ringaround the reset pin 59. Further, a static seal on the end of thehousing 40 engages with a corresponding groove in the knob 60, as canfor example be seen by comparing FIG. 10 with FIG. 12, the sealremaining on the housing 40 between the two positions. These two sealsserve to effectively maintain the chamber of the housing in a sealedstate from the outside.

A stop 58 on the right-hand end of the chamber of the housing 40 allowsfor the gate member to be cushioned and stopped in an appropriateposition at the closed position of the gate 43.

By having the gate 43 moved to the closed position without movement ofthe release pin 59, the gate 43 is allowed to close without anyadditional friction being applied to the movement of the gate.

FIGS. 14 and 15 show a detail of a preferred relationship between therelease pin 46 and the gate 43 as discussed with respect to FIGS. 8-13.The release pin 46 has an engaging surface 77 and the gate has anengaging surface 74, which are both angular. By having both of thesesurfaces angular, the force required to disengage the release pin 46from the gate 43 for movement in the direction 73 is reduced, and theoverall energy required to operate the valve is also decreased.

FIG. 15 a shows a detail section of a gate valve similar to thatpreviously shown. The gate 43 is sealed with a seat 44 and seat 45 oneach side of the gate. Seat 45 is held into place by a piston 45 b thathas a seal 45 a that seals in the cylinder 41 a that is spring loadedand will apply a force 45 c to seat 45, gate 43 and seat 44. Thisfeature allows a constant predetermined force to be applied to the gateto form a seal. Further the gate 43 is connected by a link-pin 43 b to a“spring loaded member” 43 a. The link-pin 43 b goes through the hole inthe gate 43 c. The link-pin 43 b and the hole in the gate 43 c have a“loose fit” that allows the gate to float and form a good seal with seat44 and 45. Note that these features can be used together or alone. Oneadvantage is to control manufacturing tolerances that may be a problemwithout one or both features.

Referring now to FIGS. 16 and 17, there is illustrated an alternativearrangement of a release pin for a gate member in a valve such as thatdiscussed with respect to FIGS. 8-13. In these figures, reference number83 represents a gate valve member, 81 represents an engaging surface forengagement with a release member and 83 a represents a force applied tothe valve member 83 for closing the valve member 83.

As shown in FIG. 16, the engaging surface 81 is locked against a releaseroller 84 for preventing the gate valve member 83 from moving. Theengaging surface 81 could also be angular, as discussed with respect toFIGS. 14 and 15 in order to reduce the force required to disengage therelease roller 84 from the gate of member 83.

A solenoid 82 acts on a solenoid pin 86. The solenoid pin 86 has tworollers, 87 and 88, pivotally mounted thereto at pivots 87 a and 88 a.These rollers allow the solenoid pin 86 to roll with respect to thesolenoid 82. The release roller 84 is connected at the end of thesolenoid 86 by a pivot 84 a.

The force 83 a applied to the valve member 83 is transferred to releaseroller 84, the first guide roller 87 and the second guide roller 88.Referring to FIG. 17, the gate valve member 83 is released by therolling action of the release roller 84 being pulled by the action ofthe solenoid pin 86 when the solenoid 82 is energized. Thus the solenoidpin 86 has to be of a magnetic material, or a magnet. The first guideroller 87 rolls on a surface 87 b, and a second guide roller 88 rolls ona surface 88 b in accordance with the forces applied thereto through theroller 84.

Use of the roller arrangement illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17 reduces theforce requiring to release the valve member. Additional rollers providea rolling trigger, thus requiring less energy to release the valvemember.

Referring now to FIGS. 18 and 19, a gate valve design similar to that ofFIGS. 6 and 7 is illustrated. That is, the gate itself, and itsconnection with respective seals, are similar to those of FIGS. 6 and 7.What is illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19 is another way of actuating andresetting the valve.

In this case, a gate 93 is attached to a magnet 93 a and movable in avalve housing 90 having a solenoid 92 mounted to the outside thereof Themagnet 93 a has north and south poles that are arranged so that themagnet will be moved by energizing the solenoid 92.

FIG. 18 shows the valve member gate 93 in the open position, allowinggas to pass through an inlet 91 to an outlet 92.

A status indicator comprises an indicator 95 a that is guided by anouter plate 97, the indicator 95 a being attached to a target 95 made ofa magnetic material, or a magnet. Indicator 95 a and the target 95 areattracted to the magnet 93 a of the valve member 93. By such attraction,a spring 94 is compressed. The attraction between the indicator 95 a,target 95 and magnet 93 a further help to hold each other in position.

Energization of the solenoid 92 activates the valve 90. Referring toFIG. 19, such Energization of the solenoid 92 moves the magnet 93 a andthus the gate 93 to the closed position. It is noted that the polarityof the solenoid 92 required to activate the valve member 93 toward theclosed position depends upon the orientation of the north and southpoles of the magnet 93 a.

As the valve member 93 and the magnet 93 a move to the closed position,the indicator 95 a and the target 95 will lose the magnetic attractionto the magnet 93 a. Accordingly, the spring 94 then pushes the indicator95 a and the target 95 outward, projecting the indicator 95 a beyond theouter plate 97. This then indicates the status of the valve member 93.

When the magnet 93 a moves the valve member 93 to the closed position,magnet 93 a is attracted to a second target 95 a at the right-hand endof the housing 90. This helps to hold the valve member 93 in the closedposition. This second target 95 a at the right-hand end of the housing90 may not be necessary in some applications because friction will besufficient to hold the valve member 93 in place.

It is further noted that the status indicator is not required for thevalve to operate.

In order to reset the valve member 93, the polarity of the solenoid isreversed so as to move the magnet 93 a and the valve member 93 to theopen position. When the valve member 93 a reaches the open position, themagnet 93 a again attracts the first target 95 and indicator 95 a toshow the open status of the valve.

Accordingly, with the embodiment of FIGS. 18 and 19, by providing amagnet within a coil to operate the gate 93, remote on/off control canbe provided. The status indicator operates off of the movement of themagnet, and can also provide a way of holding the valve member in place.

FIGS. 20-21 schematically demonstrate a way of shutting off electricpower. A meter box 100 has an electric meter 101 mounted thereontogether with a circuit breaker 102. The circuit breaker 102 has a pullchain 105 connected thereto. The pull chain 105 is engaged with anelectricity shut-off device 103 also mounted on the meter box 100. Acontrol module 106 is located at a remote location and can communicatewith the electricity shut-off device 103 through a wire 107 or by radiofrequency. The power for operating the electricity shut-off device 103is either self-contained, or can be provided by an outside source.

A door 100 a as shown in FIG. 21 can be included, shown in this figurein an open position. It is shown in the closed position in FIG. 22.Further, FIG. 22 shows activation of the electricity shut-off device103, which pulls on the pull chain 105 to activate the circuit breaker102. The electricity shut-off device can be spring-loaded, a solenoid,or a motor activated device.

The advantage of the arrangement of FIGS. 20-22 is that of having a wayof shutting off the electricity which can be activated remotely and isself-contained. It allows the shut off of electricity without requiringbreaking into the electric panel box, and is designed to fit behind thedoor thereof, allowing the door to be closed. Other ways of connectingbetween the shut-off device 103 and the breaker 102 than the pull chain105 can be imagined.

FIGS. 23 and 24 illustrate a specific embodiment of an electricityshut-off device that could, for example, be used with the arrangementshown in FIGS. 20-22. In this arrangement, a spring-loaded shut-offdevice 110 has a rotatable spring-loaded arm 111 mounted to a pivot 111a having one end attached to a ball chain 115 as a pull chain. The otherend of the pull chain 115 is attached to a circuit breaker 112. Thespring loaded arm 111 is locked into position by a ball 114. An angleddetention surface 111 b is formed on the arm 111 for engagement with theball 114. The ball is restrained by a release pin 116 that is movable ina cylinder 116 a formed in the device 110. The angular surface 111 bpushes against the ball 114 and applies pressure to the release pin 116.A solenoid pin 117 is movable with respect to a solenoid 118 and isallowed to move within the release pin 116 without moving the releasepin 116 until a certain amount of slack illustrated at 116 b is taken upand a stop 116 c on the end of the solenoid pin 117 contacts the releasepin 116.

Operation of the device is illustrated in FIG. 24. When the solenoid 118is energized, the solenoid pin 117 is pulled up to first remove theslack 116 b, and then pull the release pin 116 up to a position thatallows the ball 114 to move into the space vacated by the release pin116. After the ball 114 has moved to this point, the spring-loaded arm111 is released, and rotates under its spring-load.

Rotation of the spring-loaded arm 111 causes the chain 115 to be pulledand the circuit breaker 112 to be moved to the off position. In order toreset the spring-loaded shut-off device 110, the spring-loaded arm 111is rotated against the spring pressure until the ball 114 clears theangled surface 111 b and the release pin 116 moves downward to push theball 114 back into place restraining the angled surface 111 b. After thespring-loaded shut-off device 110 has been reset, the circuit breaker112 can be reset.

By having this slack in the movement of the solenoid pin 117, an impactforce is created for movement of the release pin 116. This reduces theamount of energy required to release the device. By using a ball, theforce applied to the release pin is reduced. Further, by having the ballpress against an angled surface, the amount of force on the release pinis further reduced.

FIGS. 25 and 26 are similar to FIGS. 23 and 24, which shows analternative arrangement in which a second ball 114 a is provided whichhas a center in line with the center of the first ball 114. Thisarrangement is provided in order to reduce the amount of friction on therelease pin 116.

Referring to FIG. 26, when the solenoid 118 is energized, the solenoidpin 117 pulls up to first remove the slack 116 b and then pulls therelease pin 116 up to a position allowing the first ball 114 to moveinto the space vacated by the release pin 116. As the release pin movesup, the second ball 114 a rolls up along with the release pin 116 untilthe angled surface 116 c moves past the center of the second ball 114 a.At this point, the second ball 114 a falls down back into its originalplace. When the ball 114 clears the spring-loaded arm 111, the armrotates. Rotation of the spring-loaded arm 111 causes the breaker 112 tobe shut off as in the embodiment of FIGS. 23 and 24.

FIGS. 27 and 28 illustrate a further embodiment of the electricityshut-off device 110. In this embodiment, the release pin and ballarrangement is replaced by a solenoid activated pin. Specifically, asolenoid pin 119 has an end surface 119 a engaged with the angledsurface 111 b for detention thereof The solenoid pin 119 is biased intoposition by a spring 119 a on the left-hand end thereof The solenoid pin119 is moved by the solenoid 118.

When the solenoid 118 is energized, as seen in FIG. 28, the solenoid pin119 is moved against the force of the spring 119 a to release thespring-loaded arm 111, allowing it to rotate. Shut off of the circuitbreaker 112 is similar to the above-described embodiments.

In order to reset the spring-loaded shut-off device 110, thespring-loaded arm 111 is rotated against the spring pressure until thesolenoid pin 119 clears the angled detention surface 111 b and is pushedback into place by the spring 119 a.

The embodiment of FIGS. 27 and 28 requirements fewer moving parts thanthe embodiments of FIGS. 23-26. However, more energy may be required foroperation.

FIGS. 29-31 illustrate an electricity shut-off and external power supplydevice that interfaces with an electric meter box, and is referred to asan electric interface. This may be used as electric interface 34 of FIG.5, for example. The purpose of this electric interface is to provide aneasy and economic way of providing for a remote shut-off of the electricpower, and to further provide electric power to operate the systemdescribed with respect to FIG. 5.

Referring first to FIG. 29, there is illustrated a standard meter box200, which includes a meter mounting flange 201, meter box receptacles203 and a receptacle mounting plate 203 a.

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view including an electric meter 204,electric interface device 200 a and the standard meter box 200. Thestandard electric meter 204 includes meter plugs 204 a, which wouldordinarily be engaged with meter box receptacles 203, and a meter flange204 b. The meter flange 204 b would ordinarily be interconnected withthe meter mounting flange 201 by a band such as a security band 206 or206 a. However, the electric interface device 200 a is provided to bedisposed between the electric meter 204 and the standard meter box 200.

The electric interface device 200 a includes a housing having aninterface flange 201 a and an interface flange 204 c. The flange 201 ais connected with the flange 204 b by band 206 for connecting theelectric interface device 200 a to the electric meter 204. The flange204 c is connected with the flange 201 of the meter box 200 by asecurity band 206 a. The interface can thus be locked to the respectivecomponents. The meter box 200 is mounted to a structure 205,furthermore.

The electric interface device 200 a further comprises interfacereceptacles 210 to be connected with meter plugs 204 a and interfaceplugs 211 to be connected with meter box receptacles 203. At least oneset of an interface plug 211 and an interface receptacle has adiscontinuity therein that is closed by a shut-off member 208 a of asolenoid switch 208. When the shut-off member 208 a of the solenoidswitch 208 is in its closed position, an actual connection is thusestablished between the receptacles 203 and plugs 204 a.

Electric interface device 200 a is accordingly provided with a way ofshutting off electricity by use of the solenoid switch 208 to move theshut-off member 208 a. The member 208 a provides electricalcommunication between the receptacle 210 and plug 211, ordinarily.However, upon activation of the solenoid switch 208, the shut-off member208 a can interrupt communication there between to shut off theelectricity.

The solenoid switch 208 can be activated by a remote signal by remotecontroller illustrated schematically by reference number 207. Inaddition, electric interface device 200 a has an external powerconnection 212 for providing power external of the interface device. Theexternal power can be stepped down to a low voltage in the interfacedevice for safety reasons.

FIG. 31 illustrates the arrangement of FIG. 30 in the assembled state,with one change. In this variation, however, both the external power andthe remote control connection 207 are illustrated as at the samelocation 207 a.

Electric interface device 200 a of FIGS. 29-31 not only provides ashut-off device interfacing with an electric meter box that can beremotely activated, but also provides power to operate a system asdescribed with respect to FIG. 5. This device provides an easy way ofproviding a shut-off device for electricity, reducing labor costs.

1-32. (canceled)
 33. A valve, comprising: a housing having a gas inlet,a gas outlet and a gas passage therebetween; a gate mounted in saidhousing so as to be movable in a direction across the gas passagebetween open and closed positions, said gate including a first portionhaving an opening therein that is positioned across said gas passage insaid open position and a second portion that is positioned across saidgas passage in said closed position; an upstream seat mounted in saidhousing upstream of said gate, said upstream seat surrounding said gaspassage and contacting said gate so as to form a seal between saidhousing and said gate on an upstream side of said gate; and a dowstreamseat mounted in said housing downstream of said gate, said downstreamseat surrounding said gas passage and contacting said gate so as to forma seal between said housing and said gate on a downstream side of saidgate.
 34. The valve of claim 33, wherein said gate comprises an orificein said second portion thereof for allowing an amount of gas to passtherethrough in said closed position.
 35. The valve of claim 33, whereinsaid housing comprises: external threads corresponding to externalthreads of a standard gas meter on said gas inlet; and a nut havinginternal threads corresponding to a standard gas meter nut on said gasoutlet for attachment to a standard gas meter.
 36. A fitting adapter foradapting a valve to fit with a standard union nut, said fitting adaptercomprising an adapter body having a first end formed with externalthreads that are sized and adapted to engage with internal threads ofthe standard union nut and a second end that has internal threads thatare sized and adapted to engage with external threads of a valve inletor outlet connection of the valve.
 37. The fitting adapter of claim 36,wherein said external threads of said adapter body are larger indiameter than said internal threads of said adapter body.
 38. A fittingadapter for adapting a valve to fit with a standard union nut, saidfitting adapter comprising an adapter body having a first end formedwith external threads that are sized and adapted to engage with internalthreads of the standard union nut and a second end that has externalthreads that are sized and adapted to engage with internal threads of avalve inlet or outlet connection of the valve.
 39. The fitting adapterof claim 38, wherein said first end has a larger diameter than saidsecond end.
 40. A valve comprising: a housing having a gas inlet, a gasoutlet and a gas passage therebetween; a gate mounted in said housing soas to be movable in a direction across the gas passage between open andclosed positions, said gate including a first portion having an openingtherein that is positioned across said gas passage in said open positionand a second portion that is positioned across said gas passage in saidclosed position; a spring positioned so as to bias said gate toward saidclosed position; and a release pin movable between one position in whichsaid release pin prevents said spring from moving said gate toward saidclosed position and another position in which said release pin releasessaid spring and said gate so that said gate moves to said closedposition under the biasing force of said spring.
 41. The valve of claim40, and further comprising a reset member interconnected with said gatefor resetting said gate from said closed position to said open position.42. The valve of claim 41, wherein said reset member extends from apoint outside of said housing to said gate, said reset member having anend received in an elongate slot formed in said gate and said slothaving a stop member at an end thereof so that when said gate is in saidclosed position, said reset member can be pulled from outside of saidhousing so that said end of said reset member engages said stop memberand pulls said gate from said closed position.
 43. The valve of claim41, wherein said reset member extends from a point outside of saidhousing to said gate through a dynamic seal in said housing.
 44. Thevalve of claim 43, wherein said reset member has a knob thereonpositioned outside of said housing for manipulating said reset member,said being engageable with said housing through a static seal thereon.45. The valve of claim 40, wherein said housing comprises a chamberadjacent to said gas passage, said chamber having a gate end throughwhich said gate is movable and a spring end, said spring beingcompressed between said spring end and said gate in said open position.46. The valve of claim 45, wherein said gate comprises a spring receiveron an end thereof in said chamber, said spring receiver receiving saidspring therein, and said release pin, in said open position of saidgate, extending into said chamber and engaging said spring receiver. 47.The valve of claim 40, wherein said release pin, in said open positionof said gate, engages a member fixed with respect to said gate.
 48. Thevalve of claim 47, wherein said release pin is movably supported by abushing.
 49. The valve of claim 48, wherein said release pin comprisesan engagement end for engaging said member fixed with respect to saidgate, a shaft portion slidable in said bushing and a stop for engagingsaid bushing so as to limit movement of said release pin.
 50. The valveof claim 47, wherein release pin comprises a connector having an axialspace therein and an actuator for actuating said release pin, saidactuator comprising a link member that extends into said axial space andis axially movable therein.
 51. The valve of claim 40, wherein said linkmember is positioned in said axial space so that when said actuator isactuated to move said gate to said open position, said link memberaxially moves a predetermined distance without axially engaging saidconnector of said release pin before axially engaging said connector ofsaid release pin.
 52. The valve of claim 51, wherein said actuatorcomprises a solenoid, a solenoid pin having said link member connectedthereto, and a spring biasing said soleniod pin and said link membertoward said release pin.
 53. The valve of claim 40, wherein said releasepin has a soleniod actuator mechanism having a solenoid pin connected tosaid release pin so that when said solenoid is actuated said solenoidpin moves a predetermined distance before said release pin is moved bysaid soleniod pin.
 54. The valve of claim 40, wherein said release pincomprises means for actuating said release pin to move to said anotherposition by engaging said release with an impact force.
 55. The valve ofclaim 40, and further comprising a status indicator mounted on anexterior portion of said housing indicating an open or closed status ofsaid gate.
 56. The valve of claim 55, wherein said status indicatorcomprises a magnet and said gate comprises a magnetic material forattracting said magnet of said status indicator in one of said open andclosed positions.
 57. The valve of claim 47, wherein said member has arelease pin engagement surface thereon that is angled with respect tothe direction of movement of said gate, and said release pin has a gatemember engagement surface angled with respect to the direction ofmovement of said gate thereon for engagement with said release pinengagement surface of said member fixed with respect to said gate. 58.The valve of claim 47, wherein said release pin engagement surface andsaid gate member engagement surface are angled at the same angle withrespect to the direction of movement of said gate.
 59. The valve ofclaim 47, wherein said release pin comprises a roller for engagementwith said member fixed with respect to said gate.
 60. The valve of claim59, wherein said release pin is a solenoid pin and comprises a solenoidactuator for moving said solenoid pin.
 61. The valve of claim 60,wherein said solenoid pin is movably supported in said solenoid actuatorby a plurality of rollers mounted to said solenoid pin.
 62. A valvecomprising: a housing having a gas inlet, a gas outlet and a gas passagetherebetween; a gate mounted in said housing so as to be movable in adirection across the gas passage between open and closed positions, saidgate including a first portion having an opening therein that ispositioned across said gas passage in said open position and a secondportion that is positioned across said gas passage in said closedposition; a magnet mounted with said gate; and a solenoid actuator formoving said magnet so that said gate is movable between said open andclosed positions.
 63. The valve of claim 62, wherein said housingcomprises a chamber in which said magnet is movably positioned, saidsolenoid actuator surrounding said chamber.
 64. The valve of claim 63,and further comprising a status indicator responsive to the position ofsaid magnet in said chamber.
 65. The valve of claim 64, wherein saidstatus indicator comprises a magnetic material that is attracted to saidmagnet mounted with said gate when said gate is in said open position.66. The valve of claim 65, wherein said status indicator furthercomprises a spring biasing said status indicator in a direction awayfrom said magnet when said magnet mounted with said gate is in saidclosed position.
 67. The valve of claim 63, wherein said magnetcomprises N and S poles arranged along the direction of movement of saidgate.
 68. The valve of claim 63, wherein said chamber comprises a targetmade of a magnetic material for attracting said magnet toward saidclosed position of said gate. 69-86. (canceled)